Updated May 30th, 2005
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Is there anything that
When do I update the Wizards Lair? Once a month, at the very least. I will try to sneak in more as time allows, but don't hold your breath. My schedule is quite chaotic and I often do not have the energy to work on this page as often as I would like. But, with my fantastic helper Scarlet Witch's assistance, you will often see at least 2 updates a month, and sometimes more.
When? When I can get around to it. Right now I am shooting for the first weekend of each month.
Why not twice a month as before? Because of my 'Real World' obligations. When I was updating 2x (or more) per month, my job responsibilites were pretty stable. Now, I just do not have the energy as I used to. Also, I would like to take the time that I have off to enjoy other pursuits (such as pursuing superheroines in #SHID)... which is a great stress reducer!! (And, believe me! I need to reduce stress!!). However, of late you will have seen that the updates are 3 to 4 times a month. I think that this is more due to the fact that I have a great assistant in Scarlet Witch which is helping me in maintaining a 'system' in my updating so that I can get them finished quicker and with less hassle, which in turn allows me to put in a second update two weeks later (I have every other weekend off which helps greatly in this).
What will be updated? Well, certainly NOT the whole site each and every time. That is ALOT of work. This site is HUGE! The biggest of it's kind as far as I know, in terms of Mb of material, and the number of different sections and pages. But, let me tell you my priorites in updating. Always, the first on my list is the material sent to me by my contributors. Scarlet Witch handles the Stories section and the Challenge pages, so all I really do work on now is my multitude of talented Henchmen.
Cross-Posting - I have always tried to keep the Wizard's Lair different and unique from all the other superheroine sites out there, and believe that I have. One of the reasons is because I don't cross-post, that is post material here at The Wizard's Lair that can be found on other sites. There have and will continue to be exceptions to this, but to the most part we are only talking about individual stories or pics of the contributors that lend to other sites, without detracting from this one.
However, I do ask my contributors (current or future) not to post materials here that can be found on other sites in mass. That is to say, if you can fill a gallery page with the duplicated materials. I have worked with other artists and webmasters on this, and we mainly agree to honor this, since there is more than enough material for all to share.
Exclusivity - This is similar to 'cross-posting', but deals mainly with an artist, then with individual pics, drawings and/or stories. I value my contributors deeply. Without them this site would not be as it is today. I do not "own" them or "retain" them as Wizard Lair's exclusives. This decision is entirely up to the contributor. They may come and go as they please to contribute to any other site, or even start one of thier own, if they wish. If that is the case, they can be assured of my thanks, my blessing, and my support.
However, problems will arise if a contributor sends material to another site that is also found here on this one on an on-going and regular basis. When that becomes the case, I will ask the contributor to make a choice between which sites they want to support.
Yes, that does sound a bit 'hypocritical' of me saying that I don't 'own' exclusive rights to an artists materials. But, like I said, I want the Lair to be unique. I will not 'demand' that the artist NOT contribute to other sites, nor try to stop them in any way. That is thier own personal decision. I will simply thank them for thier time spent with The Lair and let them go to follow that path.
What happened to the Guest Page? You will notice that the Guest page is static and no longer to be updated. This was a very difficult decision for me to make. But, I felt (and those I spoke with when I asked their advice about this) that I would concentrate my energies on those people who were as dedicated to this genre as I was. I do not feel that I am treating my regular contributors fairly if I have to delay in posting their material to work on the 'guest' material that was sent to me unsolicited, without any guarentee of future material. (see also "Can I send pictures for posting" below)
Is Vladi Vizz your real name? Of course it isn't. Just a name that gave myself several years ago. Am I paranoid? Yeah, maybe a little bit. Of course, I feel it is never a good idea to let anyone have access to your own personal information via the internet. Personal information is something that I only give out to my friends and those that I have personal dealings with and that I have known for a while and have developed trust with. Not a bad idea for all of us, I feel.
What's the secrets to your chats? How do you do it? There is no secret. The thing is to have fun! There are no hard and fast rules on 'cyber-play'. However, the first thing you DO want to know is to just 'chat' with your partner before you do any 'playing'. Get to know him or her first. Find out what they like and dislike. What turns them on. Find out what they are wanting from the chat. Also, find out what is 'taboo'. Don't do anything that the other person finds distasteful. This is supposed to be a fun and exciting thing for both parties involved. Also, don't be chatting with others at the same time. Block everyone else if you have to. You want to concentrate on the storyline at hand (if you have one, and it's not a bad idea to have some idea on the 'plot' of the chat). (see also "How do you meet people to chat with" below)
What programs do you use when you chat? I primarily use the irc chat program MIRC. I also use Yahoo messenger at times as well as AOL messenger (not the one that is imbedded with AOL, but the add-on program that allows Instant Messages when not running AOL). I can and do save my chats for personal enjoyment and perhaps later publication (if my partner says it's ok....NEVER EVER publish a chat without permission. It is very bad form, and a good guarentee that you will never chat with that particular person again if they did not want anyone else to read the chat).
How do you meet people to chat with? Hmmmm...good question. To tell the truth, I have never went out of my way to 'cyber-play' with someone. They have almost always IM'd me first in this regards (though since I am a channel op at #Superheroines_in_Distress I do have to communicate with people in different manners, of course). . And, no...I have never said right off the bat "Do you want to cyber?". Not my style. I just chit chat with the person, like I would any other person. I get to know that person, and let that person get to know me. And, as time goes on, maybe the issue of chatting is raised. Sometimes it is the issue of my webpage that gets raised, and thus the chatting issue. The thing is not to be pushy. Yes, I certainly do flirt and tease, but always in a good natured way so that the other person becomes comfortable with me. Anyway, there are more and more venues popping up with areas to meet others. Chat rooms (speaking primarily AOL when I was there) are fine (though personally I find them way too crowded and juvenile to the most part), and there are 'clubs' (Yahoo, etc) where everyone shares a similar interest. Also, I have noticed that there are websites that have ICQ and chat information. Often times you can write directly to a particular person, or you can contact the webmaster as a go-between. Again, in this regards, be cool. Don't start off with "Wanna cyber?". That is like walking up to another person and saying "Wanna fuck?". Pardon my language, but that really is what it is like. Crude, rude, and totally unacceptable.
But, what do I say?? Say whatever you feel comfortable with. The key thing is to be yourself!! Don't try to be like me, or anyone else for that matter. Be honest. No one can ever hold that against you. But, do try to be tactful, and polite in all things in any case.
What programs do you use when you Photo-Manipulate? I use 2 different programs and a Whacom Art Tablet. I use Micrografx PhotoMagic 6 for masking and adding backgrounds and large area coloring, and I use Ulead PhotoImpact for the finer details and for freehand painting and pasting items. I switch back and forth with them until I get it just right. For some great hints, go to the Challenge Page.
Can I send you pics for posting? Certainly you can contact me about this, however, be aware of a few requirements that I have. First, please no graphic sex or genitalia displays and/or penetration (there always of course exceptions, but mostly if 'tasteful' and/or within 'story' context). I am not being prude here, or attempting to censor material but careful. The less I do to piss off the powers that be (and you KNOW who THEY are) the better. I think that little rule that carried over from Supergirl.net is one of the reasons I haven't been hasseled. Also, keep the file size down. I prefer files that are less than 250kb in size. Yes, I have 'unlimited' space (so far anyway), but not patience where it comes to downloading files. You may send them to me zipped or mimed (no more than 5 pics per file, please).
Can I send you stories for posting? No. All stories now go to Scarlet Witch, who is running that section. Her email address can be found on those pages.
The rules for what I will accept for posting are a bit more loose here. If you read any of the stories or chats you know that there is certainly graphic sex and penetration. However, because of a story recently sent me which I could not in good conscience post and keep within the flavor of the Lair I will make one rule. Keep the violence down to a minimum. Yes, the life of a superheroine is violent and fights are to be expected. However, sadistic beatings and graphically described tortures has no place here in this good-natured, tongue-in-cheek website. Snuff is also something we frown upon. There are sites where you can find stories of this nature, just not here.
Can I send you a request? I would prefer not. I really do not have the time that I once had to work on those images sent to me to be manipulated as the sender desires. However, some other artists have done so in the past, and may do so. Your best bet is to make an 'open call' in the Guestbook, or write another contributing artist and ask them. Ask first before sending picture attachments!!! There are too many viruses going around, and many people do like I do, delete any message that has an attachment from someone you don't know.
Some artists do not have their email address posted. Why? Pretty simple actually, they value their privacy and have asked me to do the same. In fact, my rule of thumb here with contributors is that I will not post their email address without their express request to do so, and even then I will re-confirm their permission to do so. However, with all the various free email services out there, I think that every contributor should take advantage of such offers so that they will have a dedicated email address that they can use, which I will utilize on thier gallery pages so that people can contact them directly.
What DO you do for a living? Well, without getting TOO personal (there is a reason I use a fake name!) let us say that I am in Emergency Services. I work a very odd schecule with long stressful hours (and thus my own body clock schedule is way out of whack!). I do love my job, as I get to help others and save lives. I suppose this is why I 'play' a villain, to relieve the stress of this job while at the same time pretending to be something I am not (and thus satisfy my Thesbian thirsts!).
Am I married? Or do I have a 'significant other'? No.
Is it ok to write you with comments or complaints? Absolutely. This FAQ is only to help explain a few things about me and the site. But, that doesn't mean that I don't want to hear from you. I like to know what you think of the site, what parts you like, AND what parts you don't like. Granted, impolite and/or flaming type of emails will piss me off, but who wouldn't be? I don't mind constructive criticism at all. Sometimes you notice things that I don't, and those I want to be made aware of. Just remember, to write me as you would write anyone else. Don't just say "Your art sucks!". Tell me why you think so. Maybe there is something I can do better to make this site a better experience for all.
Whiners! You know them. The people who want the page updated, and updated yesterday. Even when the page was JUST updated.They also whine that an update is "too small", and want more! Please be aware that this page is filled with material that I, to the most part, have no control over. My contributors send me material when they have the time. I AM NOT going to write them and ask them to "Hurry up!".
Bitchers! The one's who only write to complain about something. I am not talking about the missing link every now and then after I update (which is appreciated...if done with tact), but those ill-mannered sods who think that they know of a better way of doing things, and imply that I am an idiot since I don't view things the same way that they do. They say this can better, that this was done wrong, that this story was stupid, or that picture was sloppy. Now I don't get alot of them myself, but I do read newsgroups and message boards, and do see them there. Complaining is one thing, constructive critism another. If you think you can do it better...than do so! There are plenty of places that give out free webspace, so you can't use the cost issue as an excuse.
Moaners! Those who think that I make this website JUST FOR THEM! Guess what folks? I made this site FOR ME! I saw five years ago that there was a serious lack of good quality superheroine DIDs out there, and decided to do something about it. I started to contribute to pay back those that had websites that I visited and enjoyed. Then I was given the opportunity to start my own webpage. It was a challenge that I lept on with both feet and immediatly sank to my eyebrows. It's tough, yes...but well worth it!
Beggers! Those that want me to send them material. I am not talking about trading stuff, but "will you send me this?". This site is free. There is nothing stopping anyone from downloading materials (and saving them). What you see is what you get. I don't have a huge secret stash of materials from my contributors. If they DO send me something that is not posted, that is between them and me, and they have ASKED that it be between us only, and that is the way it is going to be. Also, don't ask me where something is that I don't know about. I have plenty of links both on my Link Page and in my Bookmarks. Those are sites I know about. Pretty simple. If it's not there, I don't know about it. Period!
Jealousy! It seems of late that I have been the target of some nasty things being said, both about me personally and about The Wizard's Lair. I try to ignore these things that are said, and feel that the people stating them really need to pull thier head out of thier asses. Each webmaster has thier own style of doing things, and each site in the genre fills a need. We all have our favorite sites out there, and each webmaster has a cadre of devoted fans and loyal followers. This is the way of the web.
What I cannot stand however, is when a webmaster feels anger and jealousy towards another webmaster or site because of the things said about that person or site. I worked very hard on the Wizard's Lair. Month in and month out I work to maintain my own high standards so that the visitors here can enjoy themselves. I never took anything away from anyone else, or from another site. In fact, I have tried to stay away from posting material that is found elsewhere (see cross-posting above).
Flame-Wars! I don't like them. They are petty and childish and accomplish nothing. Yes, I will communicate with others on a personal basis, and give them my views and opinions in an open and honest fashion. However, I will treat that person with politeness and respect even if I don't agree with thier views and/or position, and I expect the same.
But, I will NOT publically insult a person, or thier site (if applicable) to engage in an on-going 'Flaming' contest. This only serves to fragment the genre's community. I have only made one exception to this, when a webmaster took several images from this site to use as a front page teaser to his pay site. He refused many requests from me and the artist involved to remove the images. After that, I did start a boycott campaign, which I must say was successful, for while the page can be found still, it hasn't been updated since that time.
Competition! The Wizard's Lair is a FREE site. I have no need, nor desire to compete with any other site out there. Why even complete? There is plenty of web space for everyone. In fact the more sites there are like mine and similar sites the happier I am, because I AM a fan of the genre and enjoy just as much as everyone else to see and read the same type of material that is found here.
I believe that The Lair is one of the best Free sites of it's type. Yes, that is an egotistical statement, but one that I honestly believe to be true, as do many others. In fact I have several awards as to being a very good 'bondage' site (best free site in 2004!). Does that mean that I feel that everyone elses sites are inferior to mine? Not at all! Lately there have been a number of sites started that are EXCELLENT! Some that I even believe are better than mine in the quality of the page and type of material (Dano's Superheroine Central is a prime example!). Am I competing with him? Not at all. What would be the point?
I do not earn one red cent from this page. I created and maintain this site solely for the enjoyment of myself, and for you the visitors. Heck, I do not even get a free membership to DanO's pay section. But, as long as I get the space, I am not complaining! ;-).
Scarlett Witch!! A very classy gal, and a great writer and artist who has been a great fan and supporter to me. The Lair would not be the great site that it is without her great help. I truely believe that without her, in fact, there would be NO Wizard's Lair. I was more then happy to allow her to join with The Lair when she needed to find a new home for her own personal page, and since then she has offered her own time and energies to take upon her own sexy shoulders some sections to allow me to concentrate primarily upon the contributors (and lessen my own stress levels). Most importantly though, is that I consider her to be a great friend. Thank you dear lady Red! *hugggssss* :)
DanO!! My current host and maintainer of Superheroine Central. When Abductor went pay and asked me to join him and make money, I was tempted to do so... for about 30 seconds. I then realized that the 'magic' of The Lair is in it's availability to all who love the genre. It is was born free, and it would die free. However, DanO stepped in to offer me space so that The Lair would not die! Thanks DanO!!!
Kimmie Chan!! Kimmie has been very kind to help me out in the past by helping with the Story and Challenge pages a while ago when I really needed the help! That has allowed me more time in my schedule to better serve the fans of this site in other areas. Thanks Pretty Kimmie!! :-)
Vladis J! What can I say about this wonderful lady? Many of you know that she is the heroine in most of my chats, primarily Supergirl (since SG is my favorite heroine). She is sweet, friendly, classy, humorous, fun, intelligent, witty, and sexy as hell. Also, a great moaner! heh heh heh ;-}~
Tyler Roper! My gosh this guy can pump out the material. I have enough stuff from this guy alone to start a 2nd site, just for his materials. Now, you have a small idea of his snappy wit if you have read his stories. But, I get his emails that describe each of the pics that he sends, and they all have me rolling on the floor while drooling over his images. His imagination knows no bounds, and his wit & humor is superb! A very nice guy also.
Angleman! This guy is crazy!! He certainly has a style that causes comments. I have heard from those that don't like his manipulations because of the content, and others that love his manipulations because of the content. However, they ALL have said that he is an EXCELLENT artist! Recently, he has informed me that he is not going to contribute to The Wizard's Lair and is going to take a long deserved break. He felt that his creativity has waned, and that anything further would be sub-standard. I can truely understand and respect this, as I hope all do. I hope that he enjoys himself, recharges his batteries, and (when he is ready) comes back better than ever! Thanks for all Angleman!
My contributors! Above was not to set any of my contributors apart. They do that all by thierselves with thier own unique tastes and styles. P-Man, The Tailor (Grandpa Gary), Angleman, K from Japan, Sasori, L-Man, and all the others have made my job so much easier, and soooo much enjoyable. The Wizard's Lair would not be the same without them, nor would the genre!
Mike at Supergirl.Net! Oh, I know that his site is no longer around. But, without him The Wizard's Lair would not exist. It is Mike that first posted my superheroine DID drawings, and then allowed me to make my own page hosted by him. Yes, towards the end there were many server problems there, but this was not a reflection on Mike and his friendship and assistance. I do miss him. Oh, I know that he is still around, lurking in Mirc. I hope to learn more about that program so that I can do some catching up with him.
Master Abductor and Slave Paige! Two great folks that hosts a fantastic network of superb websites. Abductor grandly allowed me to move to abductor.com when supergirl.net shut down, and tells me that I can do whatever I want, and that I have unlimited space! However, once they went pay, I decided not to stay (and make money) but to move elsewhere so that all of you could continue to enjoy this website... for FREE!!! I hold no grudges against them, and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors, but our paths just went in different directions, and I had to follow the fork that would allow me to continue to supply quality superheroine erotica without restrictions.
Anonymous Contributors! You know who they are. They are you. The people who come to the site and enjoy it for what it gives them, and want to give something in return. However, because of this or that, they don't want thier names known. So, they send me a story, or a pic or two. Not alot, but enough to let me know that they care about the site, and tell me "THANKS!" in way of thier 'gifts'. Some of these I share with you all, and some I don't (because they ASK me NOT to...so DON'T ask for stuff I can't give out -- See Rants).
Shadow & Mirage!! Great fans and kind folks! A husband and wife team from down south (heck, everything is south of me! lol). They have sent me TONS of materials that will be finding thier way to the "Blast from the Past" pages, both of Wonder Woman and of those great Jungle Queens (removed those sections folks, sorry). Also, Mirage makes me smile and feel young again when she calls me "My dear boy!". :-)
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